News

Charles County Sheriff's Office

Incident Briefings

The following is a sample of recent Charles County Sheriff’s Office investigations. For information about crimes not included in this report, visit CrimeReports.com and search by county, city, zip code or street address.

FUGITIVE CHARGED WITH STEALING CAR AND DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE: On July 28 at 12:05 a.m., PFC J. Clagett responded to Robinson Place in Waldorf for the report of a reckless driver. PFC Clagett observed the operator of a car driving at a high rate of speed and he initiated a traffic stop. When PFC Clagett approached the car, the driver refused to give his name and the officer detected a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. Through investigation, PFC Clagett learned the identity of the driver and a computer check revealed the man’s driver’s license was suspended. It was later learned the suspect worked as a mechanic and he took a client’s car without consent. James Steven Lancaster, Jr., 27, of Bel Alton, was arrested and charged with unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, theft, fraud and multiple traffic violations.

THEFT FROM AUTO: Sometime between July 26 to July 27, someone opened an unlocked car in the 200 block of Indian Head Avenue in Indian Head and stole a guitar, a computer and a computer bag. PFC D. Raby is investigating.

STRONG-ARM ROBBERY: On July 26 at 7:50 p.m., officers responded to the 4400 block of Crain Highway in White Plains for the report of an assault. When officers arrived, they learned two men were behind a business drinking and one of the men stole a box of cigarettes and a Snickers bar from the other man. The victim attempted to stop the suspect but the suspect assaulted him. Officers located the suspect a short distance away. Daniel Smelcher, 41, who has no fixed address, was arrested and charged with theft and strong-arm robbery. PFC M. Sokoloff investigated.

ATTEMPT BURGLARY: On July 24 at 3 a.m., two suspects attempted to pry open the doors of a liquor store in the 12500 block of Mattawoman Drive in Waldorf. When they were unable to get the doors open, the suspects stole a U-Haul van and drove it into the liquor store’s front doors, causing significant damage to the building. Entry was not gained and the suspects fled on Crain Highway. The U-Haul van was located shortly afterwards on Nike Drive. The vehicle was still running but the suspects fled. Officer A. Duckett is investigating.

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH/DRIVER CHARGED WITH DUI: On July 22 at 10:45 p.m., PFC P. Alvarez attempted to stop a car that was traveling without its headlights on near Smallwood Drive West. The driver refused to stop and accelerated, turning onto St. Patrick’s Drive near Billingsley Road where the driver lost control, left the roadway and crashed into several trees. The driver jumped out of the car and fled but returned a short time later. The driver appeared to be impaired. Eugene Franklin Washington, Jr., 48, of Waldorf was treated at a hospital and later charged with driving under the influence and possession of drugs.

ROBBERY REPORTED: On July 25 at 11:20 p.m., the victim, a 36-year-old male, was at his house in the 2500 block of Robinson Place in Waldorf when he heard his front doorbell ring. When the victim answered the door, three to five males approached, pulled a gun and told him to empty his pockets. The suspects fled with the victim’s cell phone and money. PFC D. W. Walker is investigating.

BURGLARY SUSPECTS APPREHENDED: On July 24 at 7:05 p.m., officers responded to Barnhart Elementary School at 4800 Lancaster Circle, Waldorf, for an intrusion alarm. Upon arriving, officers discovered an open door and several windows shattered. Several juveniles were located at the playground. Further investigation linked the juveniles to the burglary. A search of the school revealed the suspects entered the school by shattering a rear side window. Once inside, they located a box of fluorescent light bulbs and went throughout the lower level shattering the bulbs. Seven juveniles were charged with the burglary and destruction of property. PFC K. Newman is investigating.

ROBBERY SUSPECTS ARRESTED: On July 24 at 11:30 p.m., Officer M. Fields was patrolling the area of 45 St. Patrick’s Drive in Waldorf when he observed an altercation taking place in the parking lot. Officer Fields pulled into the lot and was approached by the victim who pointed to a vehicle that was exiting the area. The victim said the occupants of the car had just robbed him at gunpoint. Officer Fields stopped the vehicle and detained three of the suspects while another suspect fled the area on foot. The victim told officers he had just left work and was in his vehicle when the suspects opened up his car doors and jumped inside. They displayed a gun, assaulted him and then stole his money. Jajuan Anthony Curtis, 18, of Waldorf, and Devin Rashaun Brooks, 18, of White Plains, were charged with armed robbery, theft, carrying a dangerous weapon, and first-degree assault. Daivon Rashad Corley, 18, of Waldorf was charged with possession of marijuana.

Charles County Crime Solvers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest or indictment of a person responsible for a crime in Charles County. Anyone with information about an unsolved crime or the location of a fugitive may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS, texting CHARLES + the tip to CRIMES (274637) or submitting tips online at tipsubmit.com. All individuals who provide tips through Crime Solvers will remain anonymous. Learn more at the CCSO’s website.

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service law enforcement agency comprised of more than 600 police, corrections and civilian personnel responsible for protecting more than 150,000 residents. The CCSO was accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in 2001 has been designated as a CALEA Gold Standard of Excellence agency since 2011. Established in 1658, the CCSO is one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the United States. For more information, visit ccso.us.